Winston-Salem police officer charged with animal cruelty in Davidson County

Winston-Salem police officer charged with animal cruelty in Davidson County

Richard E. Workman

DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — A Winston-Salem police officer has been charged with animal cruelty in Davidson County, according to a Davidson County Sheriff’s Office press release.

On Wednesday, deputies received a report of animal cruelty in the Arcadia community in Davidson County. The report said a man assaulted a dog by hitting it with a basketball, shaking it and throwing the animal several feet onto a concrete slab.

Investigators opened an investigation on Thursday and reviewed video of the alleged cruelty. Authorities then executed a search of the suspect’s house to remove the animal before taking it to a local vet to be examined. The dog was found to be healthy and given to a foster parent.

Following the investigation, Richard E. Workman was arrested at the Winston-Salem Police Department without incident. He has been charged two counts of cruelty to animals.

Workman is being held at the Davidson County Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond. He has a July 5 court date.

Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina A. Thompson released the following statement in an email:

On May 10, 2018, the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Professional Standards Division received notification from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office regarding an investigation related to cruelty to animals. The Winston-Salem Police Department was informed the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office had determined the suspect was Richard Workman, a Winston-Salem Police Detective.

Our Professional Standards Division immediately began an administrative investigation to determine if any of the Winston-Salem Police Department’s policies had been violated. At the conclusion of that investigation, Mr. Workman was suspended, pending a hearing on an action for dismissal.